Valley Fever is not the flu, and mistaking it as such can be deadly

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Valley Fever is not the flu, and mistaking it as such can be deadly

Coccidioides is the fungus that lives in loamy soils throughout California.  When this soil is disturbed by wind, agricultural and construction work, large equipment or digging, the fungus is released into the air, and when inhaled, causes Valley Fever. Valley Fever symptoms include fever, cough, headaches and chills.  Because these symptoms resemble illnesses such as the common cold and flu, it is often misdiagnosed or overlooked.  This can have dangerous consequences as Valley Fever can lead to pneumonia or in sever cases, long-term health issues and even death. 

It is important that construction employees who work in areas where the fungus is prevalent, take precautions to protect themselves while working outdoors.  Keeping the soil damp while digging and wearing protective equipment such as N95-rated respirator masks, are ways employees can protect themselves.

TAP Series offers Valley Fever Training to not only train your employees on Valley Fever but document employee training in your TAP account.  Course certificates can be reprinted anytime.  The self-paced course allows your employees to train on their schedule and is available in English and Spanish.  TAP’s system allows you to reenroll employees quickly for annual reviews or into new courses.